Hosts Morocco entered the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil carrying the weight of expectation that comes with being Africa’s leading national team in recent years. Since becoming the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals at Qatar 2022, the Atlas Lions have established themselves as a continental powerhouse.
Ranked 11th in the world, above Italy, Morocco have not tasted defeat since their round-of-16 exit at the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast. Captained by reigning African Footballer of the Year and Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi, the team has combined defensive solidity with attacking flair throughout the tournament.
All of Morocco’s matches have been played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. While the team faced criticism and even boos from home supporters during the group stage, their performances improved as the competition progressed, gradually winning over the demanding fans. Victories over strong opponents such as Cameroon in the quarter-finals and a tense penalty shoot-out win against Nigeria in the semi-finals have fuelled belief that this could finally be their year.
Nearly 70,000 supporters are expected to pack the stadium for the final, hoping to witness Morocco lift the AFCON trophy for the first time since 1976.
Head coach Walid Regragui said the team had earned its place in the final through tough battles against elite opposition. He acknowledged Morocco’s history of underachievement at the tournament, stressing that winning titles is the next step in cementing the country’s status as a major football nation.
Regragui, who was part of the Morocco squad that lost the 2004 final to Tunisia, is keen to rewrite history. Amid persistent public criticism, he remains defiant, insisting that reaching the final is proof of progress and belief in the team’s long-term vision.
Sunday’s final now represents not just a chance for silverware, but a defining moment for Moroccan football.
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